Course Description

The field of cryptozoology is considered a true science by some and by others it ranks somewhere in between UFOlogy and paranormal research. Our goal with this course is to provide students with the most accurate and factual information available, presenting it in an unbiased format so that students can decide for themselves if each cryptid (a creature of cryptozoology) is real, a myth, a hoax or a misidentified animal.

The course begins by introducing students to cryptozoology and examining the true definition of this interesting field of research. While many who are unfamiliar with the field may dismiss it as "ridiculous", there is a scientific basis for its merit, including the discovery and capture of animals that were once thought only to be of myth and legend, like the platypus, for instance.

Section two of the course focuses on the most popular cryptid of all time: Bigfoot. This huge, hair-covered creature has mystified mankind for centuries. Students will be able to read intriguing stories of sightings, see still photographs of evidence and read what experts have to say about Bigfoot's identity.

The third part of this course focuses on other famous cryptids, including the Loch Ness Monster, Chupacabras, Mokele-Mbembe or "living dinosaurs", and Thunderbird. Each has its own cult-like following of believers intent on proving that their beloved creature does indeed exist.

The last part of the course deals with cryptids that are specific to one area but whose stories have been sensationalized all across the nation. Whether it's the catchy name, like "Dover Demon" or the twilight zone-like stories, these cryptids are known worldwide and most locals are proud to live in their made-famous-by-a-cryptid town.

Completely Online

Self-Paced

Instructor Feedback

6 Months to Complete

24/7 Availability

Start Anytime

PC & Mac Compatible

Android & iOS Friendly

Accredited CEUs

Learning Outcomes

By successfully completing this course, students will be able to:

Define cryptozoology.

Know the origins of cryptozoology.

Know the famous cryptozoologists.

Know the existing species that were once cryptids.

Know which species were previously thought to be extinct.

Know what keeps unnamed species hidden.

Describe what bigfoot is and compare and contract various evidence of its existence.

Know the history of sightings and evidence of the Loch Ness Monster.

Know the history of sightings and evidence of the Chupacabra, Mokele-Mbembe, Thunderbird, Mothman, Jersey Devil, and Dover Demon, and

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Course Lessons

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Lesson 1: What is Cryptozoology?

In this section, you will learn about cryptozoology, cryptids and the basis for their study. This will include learning about some of the many zoologically-recognized animals that were once cryptids. 11 Total Points

Lesson 1 Video

Review 2 Articles: All About Cryptozoology; Overview on Cryptozoology

Take Poll: Cryptozoology as Science

Complete Assignment: An Introduction

Complete: Lesson 1 Exam

Lesson 2: The Foundations of Cryptozoology

Given past findings, cryptozoologists believe that the search for cryptids is not only meaningful, but is one of the most fruitful paths toward zoological discovery. 20 Total Points

Lesson 3: Famous Cryptozoologists

Here is a condensed list of some of most highly-regarded and dedicated researchers in cryptozoology. 10 Total Points

Lesson 3 Video

Review Article: Pioneers of Cryptozoology

Complete: Lesson 3 Exam

Lesson 4: Existing Species That Were Once Cryptids

Here is a list of animals now classified in zoology that were once thought to be just myths and legends. 15 Total Points

Lesson 4 Video

Review Article: Extinct Animals and Cryptids

Complete Assignment: Lesson 4: Extinct Animals that are not Extinct

Complete: Lesson 4 Exam

Lesson 5: Living Species Previously Thought to be Extinct

Here is a partial list of animals that prove that there may indeed be many more animals waiting to be brought out of "extinction". 15 Total Points

Lesson 5 Video

Complete Assignment: Lesson 5: Living Species that were Once Considered Extinct

Complete: Lesson 5 Exam

Lesson 6: What Keeps Unnamed Species Hidden?

Many species may go unnoticed due to their environment and their biological makeup. 20 Total Points

Lesson 6 Video

Review Article: Unknown Creatures and Hidden Animals

Take Poll: Are they real animals?

Complete Assignment: Lesson 6: Hidden Species

Complete: Lesson 6 Exam

Lesson 7: Understanding Bigfoot

In this section, you will learn about the origin of Bigfoot and hear the stories that began the sensationalism that surrounds this creature today. The amount of sightings and evidence is massive, however, for this course we chose to focus on the informati 10 Total Points

Lesson 7 Video

Review 2 Articles: Big Foot and Sasquatch; Big Foot Research

Complete: Lesson 7 Exam

Lesson 8: Bigfoot Evidence

While no researcher has produced any skeletal remains of Bigfoot, there has been an incredible amount of evidence collected that points to the existence of Bigfoot. 10 Total Points

Lesson 8 Video

Review 2 Articles: Big Foot; Evidence of Big Foot

Complete: Lesson 8 Exam

Lesson 9: Sightings: Tales or Truths?

The following lesson is a list of the most famous of Bigfoot sightings. 10 Total Points

Lesson 10: Loch Ness Monster and Other Sea Serpents

This section focuses on some of the most interesting, and equally mysterious, cryptids. For each creature, you'll find information on its origin, as well as theories, sightings and evidence to help prove or disprove its existence. 10 Total Points

Lesson 11: Chupacabras

This lesson discusses blood-sucking creatures and the notorious Chupacabra. 10 Total Points

Lesson 11 Video

Review 2 Articles: All About Chupacabra; On the Trail of the Chupacabras

Complete: Lesson 11 Exam

Lesson 12: Mokele-Mbembe

While these creatures are thought to spend most of their time underwater, they have been reportedly seen lifting their heads and necks up, crossing swamps and even tramping through the rainforests. 10 Total Points

Lesson 12 Video

Review Article: Overview of Mokele-mbembe

Complete: Lesson 12 Exam

Lesson 13: Thunderbird

While there have been sightings of huge birds in various countries throughout the world, Thunderbirds are native to the United States. 9 Total Points

Lesson 13 Video

Review Article: Sightings and Theories of Thunderbird

Complete: Lesson 13 Exam

Lesson 14: Mothman

While it seems almost every region across the world has its own "local legend", this section focuses on those that have the biggest following and who have received the most amount of media attention. One thing is for sure, each makes for an interesting re 15 Total Points

Lesson 14 Video

Review 2 Articles: All About Mothman; Comparison between Mothman and Thunderbird

Complete Assignment: Lesson 14: Existence of Mothman

Complete: Lesson 14 Exam

Lesson 15: Jersey Devil

The Jersey Devil is most often described as having the head of a horse, a long neck, skinny legs with hooves, and large bat-like wings. 20 Total Points

Student Testimonials

"I enjoyed the WebLinks. I liked the videos that were shown. It was nice to see what I had just read about....I enjoyed the course. Working on papers again brought back memories of college. Thank you." -- Thomas C.